180gr Barnes triple shock 30-06

[Stickers]

180 Barnes triple shock shot from my Tikka T3 Stainless Grey Laminate.  The flat out loves them.  I had slightly enlarged holes at 50yds and < MOA at 100yds.  All of this was shot off the top of my Suburban with a few coats on top of the hood.  Redneck certified!!  I shot the Fusion in a 180gr before but it was not as accurate, like 1" at 50 yards.  

This gun loves these Federal Premuims.  Ready for mister BIG!!!!!

Stickers aka Buckfever,  changes to my computer made me re-register.

[Stickers]

I dug a shot 180gr Barnes XXX I shot out of a sand backing pile.  It had gone thru a large wood wire spool like they use for buring cable and powerlines.  Shot at 50yds and 100yds.  Had to dig about a foot into the sand and gravel.

It was fully opened which was revealing to me.  The bullet opens to make the petals and then stops were the drilled hole ends.  This is about 1/3 of the way down the bullet which leaves a lot of weight and straight bullet to guide it.  Also noticed there really is some copper residue in the grooves but not very much at all.  Looks pretty wicked and it has sharp edges on the deformed petals.  I could see where this bullet would cut.  Also impressed that the petals stayed on.  The pile of gravel has a lot of 1" to 3" rocks in it.  It had to hit some of them after it expanded.  The best part is it is by and far the most accurate Ammunition I have shot in my T3 Tikka.  
Federal Premium 30-06 180gr. Triple shock.   Stickers

[Zachary]

The Barnes X is one of my favorite bullets.  While it is overkill for whitetails, it's awesome for big hogs.  In my .30-06, I use PMC ammo loaded with 165 Barnes X and I have shot quite a few deer and hogs with it.  With a 180 grainer, it's definately too tough for deer, but with groups like sub-MOA, it's okay...just don't expect too much expansion.

The newer TSX bullet is very similar to the original X except it has 3 rings for less stress on the barrel.  People say that accuracy is more uniform with the TSX.  In my Kimber Montana in .300WSM, it shoots about 1" groups (The Nosler Partitions shoot a bit better with about .50 to .75").

Still, if you are getting such good groups, then congrats on the load!

Zachary

[Buckfever]

Zachary after things slow down for you maybe you can go to Saskatchewan for Really Big Deer.  The guides request premium bullets, 180gr. and no ballistic tips.  They sometimes gross over 300lbs.  You really need some thump or they run off in the endless woods.  Most of the time their is a blood trail, sometimes there isn't and then odds of recovery drop big time.  I have a great outfitter who is just as excited about big deer as the hunters are.  It isn't cheap and he always has a waiting list.  I think you should try to do this hunt.  If you ever have the interest I can get you the details.  The first time you see a 300lb deer with a 150pt or higher rack the heart starts racing!!!   Buckfever   :eek:

[Zachary]

Buckfever,

A hunt for a 300 pound deer is a wonderful dream that someday will become a reality.  In such a case, a 180 grain Barnes X or TSX out of a .30-06 would not be out of place, but I still think that it would be a little on the stout side.  On such a hunt, and such a cartridge, I would either go with a 165X or perhaps a 180 Nosler Partition, Trophy Bonded, or Swift-A-Frame.

Ahhhhhh, I wish I had the opportunity to go on such a hunt to really decide which bullet to use.

Zachary

[Lawdog]

Buckfever,

A hunt for a 300 pound deer is a wonderful dream that someday will become a reality.  In such a case, a 180 grain Barnes X or TSX out of a .30-06 would not be out of place, but I still think that it would be a little on the stout side.  On such a hunt, and such a cartridge, I would either go with a 165X or perhaps a 180 Nosler Partition, Trophy Bonded, or Swift-A-Frame.

Ahhhhhh, I wish I had the opportunity to go on such a hunt to really decide which bullet to use.

Zachary

Wouldn't be too stout if while hunting those 300 lb. deer if you were to run across something shaggy equipped with big teeth and it wanted to have you as a dinner partner.  Lawdog
 

[Zachary]

Okay, I can agree with that.  I forgot about the big bears up there.

Zachary

[jro45]

I love the partitions in my 30/06 180gr going 2900 fps 32" barrel.

[Redhawk1]

Another Barnes triple shock shooter.    :-D  

[jro45]

Redhawk1 Congradulations on the scrub deer you got. :-D  :-D I read that in the post. Did I discribe it right? I don't even know what a scrub deer is.

[Redhawk1]

Redhawk1 Congradulations on the scrub deer you got. :-D  :-D I read that in the post. Did I discribe it right? I don't even know what a scrub deer is.

George calls anything below an 8 point a scrub buck.  But thanks.    It was a 5 point buck.

[Jaydub in Wi]

I've had great results with the 120gr 6.5mm X bullet on Wi whitetails from my 264 win mag. I fired a few today at the range. When I do my part , I get groups under 1". For Canada's whitetails, I might move up to the 130gr tsx or my 7mm. Good hunting.  

[Buckfever]

I also have a 6.5 but by 55.  I really like the caliber.  I think 130TSX in the caliber you have would rock'em.   No questions about shoot thru's.  Two holes for tracking is a given with a 6.5  especially .264 Mag.  

Buckfever

[handirifle]

I love the partitions in my 30/06 180gr going 2900 fps 32" barrel.

Did I read this correctly...a 32" barrel in an '06...Why?